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Story behind NASCAR fan attending his 53rd Daytona 500

On Sunday, Jack Hege, of Lexington, N.C., will be attending his 53rd consecutive Daytona 500, with an assist from Richard Childress Racing, which is helping to keep intact his incredible streak. NASCAR's Andrew Giangola had the chance to spend the 2009 Great American Race with NASCAR's iron fan. Here is Jack's story, which became the lead chapter to Giangola's book, "The Weekend Starts on Wednesday: True Stories of Remarkable NASCAR Fans."

Before the 51st running of the Daytona 500, 82-year-old Jack Hege was led into the driver's meeting -- that mandatory gathering of drivers and crew chiefs, attended by dignitaries, as well.

This fascinating pre-race meeting before Sprint Cup Series races is unique in sports. Before battling on the track, the competitors file into a room and sit next to one another like fidgety students in the auditorium poised to bust out on the last day of school. Military heroes and the rich and famous attending the race are first recognized.